UAB’s Shocking Upset: Alex Mortensen’s Coaching Debut Leaves Memphis Reeling!

In an astonishing turn of events, the UAB Blazers, under the leadership of interim head coach Alex Mortensen, pulled off a stunning 31-24 victory over the No.22-ranked Memphis Tigers on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

This unexpected triumph not only marked Mortensen’s inaugural game as a head coach but also handed Memphis their first loss of the season, ending their undefeated streak.

Entering the game as 23.5-point underdogs, UAB defied all odds in what is now recognized as one of the biggest upsets in college football this season.

The Blazers showcased remarkable resilience, particularly during a critical goal-line stand in the final moments of the game, preventing Memphis from scoring and ultimately sealing the victory.

This dramatic finish will be remembered as a defining moment in UAB’s season.

Alex Mortensen, the son of the late ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, stepped into the head coaching role after UAB parted ways with former coach Trent Dilfer just days before the game.

Mortensen, who had been serving as the team’s offensive coordinator, was thrust into the spotlight and delivered a performance that exceeded all expectations.

His ability to rally the team and implement a winning strategy was evident throughout the game, earning him immediate praise from fans and analysts alike.

The Blazers’ offensive success was largely attributed to the standout performance of sophomore quarterback Ryder Burton.

He led the charge with poise, throwing for an impressive 251 yards and three touchdowns, all to wide receiver Iverson Hooks.

Hooks had a phenomenal game, amassing 172 receiving yards on 11 receptions, effectively exploiting Memphis’s defense and creating mismatches that UAB capitalized on.

This dynamic duo proved instrumental in UAB’s offensive strategy, showcasing their chemistry and ability to execute under pressure.

Their performance not only lifted the team but also sent a strong message to the rest of the college football world: UAB is a force to be reckoned with, even against ranked opponents.

On the other side of the field, Memphis entered the game with an unblemished 6-0 record but faced significant adversity when starting quarterback Brendon Lewis exited the game due to injury in the third quarter.

Backup quarterback Ryder Burton struggled to maintain the offensive momentum, and a series of penalties coupled with missed opportunities hindered their comeback efforts.

The Tigers, who had been riding high on their undefeated season, found themselves unable to recover from the sudden shift in momentum, leading to a frustrating and disappointing outcome.

Their inability to adapt to the challenges presented by UAB’s defense ultimately cost them the game.

This victory was particularly sweet for UAB, as it came in the annual “Battle for the Bones” rivalry game.

The Blazers’ triumph not only earned them the coveted 100-pound bronze rack of ribs trophy but also ended a three-game losing streak against Memphis, adding to the significance of the win.

The rivalry, steeped in tradition, made this victory all the more meaningful for the UAB players and fans.

With this unexpected victory, UAB improves to a 3-4 record, providing a much-needed boost to their season.

The win opens up new possibilities for the Blazers as they look to build on this momentum moving forward.

Questions loom regarding the future direction of the program under Mortensen’s leadership.

Will this upset be the catalyst for a turnaround in UAB’s season?

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this victory marks the beginning of a new chapter for UAB football.

With Mortensen at the helm, the Blazers have shown they can compete at a high level, and the potential for further success is now on the horizon.

The UAB Blazers’ stunning upset over the Memphis Tigers serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of college football.

In a sport where anything can happen on any given Saturday, this game will go down in history as a pivotal moment for both UAB and Alex Mortensen.

As the Blazers look to capitalize on this victory, the college football landscape will be watching closely to see how they navigate the rest of the season.

Can UAB continue to defy expectations, or will they return to their previous struggles? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Blazers have made their mark, and they are not to be underestimated.